Q&A · 13:09-13:28

Would Hood destroying Bismarck cancel HMS Vanguard?

Vanguard would still be built after the hypothetical destruction of Bismarck, although her schedule or armament might change.

Battleship Design German Battleship Bismarck HMS Hood HMS Vanguard Naval Counterfactuals Naval Procurement Royal Navy

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Question

Would Hood sinking Bismarck in an explosion that killed everyone aboard have been enough to cancel HMS Vanguard?

Short answer

No. Vanguard would still have been built, although she might have been delayed or redesigned with 16-inch guns.

Notes

HMS Vanguard would still have been built if Hood had sunk Bismarck in an explosion that killed everyone aboard the German battleship. A lengthy delay remains possible in this counterfactual. Another possibility is a change to 16-inch guns.